Definition
形式 (xíngshì) refers to the outward form or structure of something, often contrasted with its content or substance. Unlike 样子 (appearance/look) or 形状/外形 (physical shape), 形式 emphasizes the formal arrangement or manner, and can mean a mere formality—something done for appearance only.
noun
formouter appearance (as opposed to content)(mere) formality (something done for appearance, lacking substance)
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 形势xíng shìsound-alike(noun) situation, circumstances
- 刑事xíng shìsound-alikecriminal (attributive), penal
- 行驶xíng shǐsound-aliketo travel along a route (of vehicles)
- 姓氏xìng shìsound-alikefamily name; surname
- 行使xíng shǐsound-aliketo exercise (a right, power, authority, etc.)
Examples
- 形式，。Wǒmen bùnéng zhǐ kàn xíng shì, hái yào kàn nèiróng.We can't just look at the form; we also need to look at the content.
- 形式。Zhè liǎng jiā gōngsī yòng le bùtóng de zǔzhī xíng shì.These two companies use different organizational forms.
- 形式，。Zhège huódòng zhǐshì xíng shì, méiyǒu shíjì nèiróng.This activity is just a formality; there is no real substance.
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